Kerala Backwaters Vacation

Tour Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Destinations Covered: Cochin - Alleppey - Kumarakom - Trichur - Calicut - Wayanad - Mysore - Bengaluru

Day 01: Arrival at Cochin
On your arrival at Cochi International Airport, our representative will receive you and escort you to the hotel for a check-in. Freshen up and relax at the hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel, after which you can retire to your beds.

Day 02: Cochin
Start the day with an early morning breakfast. This will be followed by a sightseeing tour of the historic Fort Kochi. Also, visits will be made to Chinese fishing nets, Dutch Palace, Jew Town and Cochin Jewish Synagogue. At noon, you'll be taken for a private harbor cruise to view the 19 tiny islets. Also, a Kathakali dance performance at the hotel will be organized. As an alternative, you can opt for a traditional cookery class. Return to the hotel for night stay.

Day 03: Cochin - Alleppey - Kumarakom
After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, you'll be driven to Alleppey. The two hour journey will have a short halt at a coir (coconut fiber) factory. Upon arrival, you'll board a houseboat. Take time to settle down as you'll be cruised through the canals and lagoons around Alleppey. Lunch will be served onboard prepared from local ingredients. At noon, you'll disembark and proceed to Kumarakom. Accommodation will be arranged at a resort in Kerala backwaters.

Day 04: Kumarakom
Rightly named as God's Own Country, every nook-n-corner has something special to fascinate the visitors. A houseboat ride through the backwaters will allow you to witness the green and fresh surroundings. In the later half of the day, you'll be free to sit by the pool, enjoy a walk in the local area, pamper yourself with an Ayurvedic massage or stroll through the local market for shopping. Night will be spent at the resort.

Day 05: Kumarakom - Trichur
Leave for Trichur early in the morning, after breakfast. The journey will take about four hours. A check in at the hotel will be followed by a city tour. The cultural capital of Kerala, Trichur has schools which have been keeping the old and strong tradition of performing arts in Kerala alive. Afternoon will be spent by relaxing at the hotel pool. Sip on a drink at the riverside bar, as an alternate. Post dinner, head on for a restful sleep.

Day 06: Trichur - Calicut
In the morning, after having breakfast, you'll visit the famous Kerala Kalamandalam School of performing arts. Here, you'll witness various styles of performing dance forms in an easy way. The visit will be followed by a traditional lunch in the restaurant. In the mid afternoon, you'll head towards Calicut. En-route, you'll visit the wooden ship building yard. On your arrival, make a check in at the hotel and spend the remaining time on the beach. Return to the hotel for night stay.

Day 07: Calicut
Day seven has many activities scheduled for you. After breakfast, you'll visit the state's oldest spice bazaar, which was traded by the Chinese, the Arabs and the Europeans. Later visit to the picturesque beach to enjoy its beauty and serenity. It is a perfect spot to swim or watching the spectacular sunset over the Arabian Sea. Other activities scheduled will be an Ayurvedic massage at the hotel or cooking demonstration for traditional recipes. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 08: Calicut - Wayanad
After a delectable breakfast at the hotel, you'll travel to Wayanad. It will take around three hours to reach Wayanad. Check in to the hotel and visit the famous Pookot Lake, an ideal destination for beautiful views of the rice paddies, coffee plantations and thick forests. A boat ride can also be taken here. Come back to the hotel to spend the night.

Day 09: Wayanad
Day nine will be spent in the laps of nature as you start your trip to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, after morning meal. Here, you'll get to see elephants, deer and possibly sloth bears. Also, take time to explore the different species of birds and butterflies. Next, you'll visit the Edakkal Cave to view the prehistoric cave drawings. They are regarded as a magnificent example of architecture of the ancient times. Post lunch, the rest of the day will be at your disposal.

Day 10: Wayanad - Mysore
Early in the morning, you'll journey to Mysore after a scrumptious breakfast. Within four hours, you'll be at Mysore – the City of Palaces. A slipshod town with wide tree-lined avenues, Mysore is sure to give you a glimpse of the rich heritage of the bygone era. Make a check-in at the hotel and proceed for a town walk amidst the tranquil atmosphere. Return to the hotel in the evening for night stay.

Day 11: Mysore
Start your day with a delightful breakfast and proceed for a full day tour of Mysore. Popular tourist attractions include Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Jayalakshmi Vilas and Lalitha Mahal. Other places of interest are the giant monolithic Nandi Temple on the Chamundeshwari Hill, St. Philomena's Church and Silk weaving factory. Later, you'll be driven to Brindavan Gardens and dropped at the hotel for sleepover.

Day 12: Mysore - Bengaluru Departure
On the last day of the vacation, you'll leave for Bangalore. On your way, you'll visit Sri Rangapatanam and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace. Thereafter,r you'll be transferred to Bengaluru International Airport to board the flight for onward destination.